Answer the following exam question‘Khrushchev’s reforms failed to

significantly transform the Stalinist political and economic order.’ How far do you agree with this judgement?

Destalinisation

What was de-StalinisationDescribe what de-Stalinisation was using

p.72, and explain why the term should be used with some caution.

Cultural ReformThe “Thaw” is said to be a more

accurate description of de-Stalinisation.The motivation for such reforms was to

give the regime some basis of popular consent rather than relying on obedience through fear.

For the first time, people could watch foreign films and listen to foreign radio (if it was deemed “safe” by the Soviet censors).

Artists and intellectuals, such as the composer Shostakovich, found their reputations restored under Khrushchev. The Party encouraged more honest accounts of Soviet history, esp if it supported Khrushchev view of Stalin given in his secret speech. Solzhenitsyn was allowed to publish “One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich” describing life in Stalin’s labour camp.

Solzhenitsyn

Shostakovich

Visitors were encouraged from the outside world to see the USSR. There was increased cultural and sporting contacts with non-Communist countries, so the Bolshoi Ballet and Red Army Choir toured abroad.

Many returning political prisoners were allowed to condemn Stalin and the former leader became somewhat of a non-person. Towns were renamed: Stalingrad became Volgograd. Statues of Stalin were taken down (except in his native Georgia). Moreover, his body was moved from its place alongside Lenin in the Red Square Mausoleum and buried elsewhere.

Red Army Choir

Bolshoi Ballet

TaskExplain the limits of de-Stalinisation using

p.74-75.Explain what happened at Novocherkassk

in 1962 on p.76.Then complete the “Activity” on p.75.